Victims of Domestic Violence stand to lose big if Topeka decriminalizes domestic violence.
It’s amazing. The city of Topeka, Kansas is moving toward decriminalizing domestic violence. Citing the need for extreme belt-tightening, Shawnee County pushed the prosecution of DV cases off to the city, which is facing its own need to cut costs. So in an extreme move, they are considering a repeal of city ordinances against domestic violence, thereby decriminalizing it. Read one story HERE. And watch a video news story HERE.
We know that domestic violence is a crime that is criminal beyond compare. And, when left unchecked, it’s costly. Indeed the cleanup after a domestic violence case can run in the thousands when health care, social services, foster care, rehabilitation, counseling and other needs are taken into account. It’s estimated that domestic violence costs the U.S. economy between $6 and $13 billion a year.
In Topeka, 30 DV cases have already been dismissed; putting those victims at greater risk as the level of rage escalates and officials allow abusers to re-enter and re-abuse. In light of the great strides made by women in the last 100 years, this is a huge step backwards.
The Topeka City Council will decide the issue tonight, Tuesday, October 11. If you are in the area, you can attend the meeting. The rest of us must pray.
Women Ministries continues to advocate for victims through Advocacy for Victims of Abuse (AVA). You can read more about AVA HERE. Our efforts are making a difference, in local churches and in communities, one person at a time.
